Harlequins extend coaching team contracts

NEWS: Harlequins announced contract extensions for Director of Rugby John Kingston, head coach Mark Mapletoft and forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

Kingston said: "I'm immensely proud to have the opportunity to continue being part of a club that is evolving both on and off the field.

"I know the squad is in a much stronger position now than when I took over and I'm looking forward to kicking on with the next phase of the team's development."

In his first season as Director of Rugby, Kingston lead Harlequins to the club's highest Premiership finish in three years and secured European Champions Cup rugby at The Stoop for the first time since the 2014/15 season.

Speaking on the Mapletoft and Rowntree extensions, Kingston said: "I am delighted Mark and Graham have committed their futures to Harlequins.

"Mark is one of the brightest and most forward-thinking coaches in the Premiership and, with three British and Irish Lions tours as coach under his belt, Graham is regarded as one of the finest forwards coaches in the world.

"They bring a huge amount of knowledge, experience and expertise to the club and to have them extend their time at Harlequins is a real sign of intent."

Confirming the news, Harlequins Chief Executive David Ellis said: "Harlequins is on an exciting journey both on and off the field - John, Mark and Graham are a vital part of that.

"The trio have a huge passion for the club and they continue to evolve our style of play. John is developing the squad gradually to be his own and his great desire to evolve a positive environment across the club will stand us in good stead, as we layout our long term vision to drive Harlequins onto the next level.

"The extension of these contracts will push attention towards the longer-term ambitions of the club, but it's the immediate future and the remainder of this season that is our main concern," added Kingston. "Our focus is on the resumption of the Premiership next month, where there is so much still to play for, together with the opportunities which the Anglo-Welsh competition still presents for us this season."